Snowmobile Polaris 600 IQ LXT (2015 year). Manual - part 28

115

MAINTENANCE

Steering System

Ski Skags

WARNING! Worn skis and/or skags will adversely affect handling. Loss of 
vehicle control may result, causing serious injury or death. See your dealer's 
studding chart for recommended skags. If you install longer or more aggressive 
carbide skags than the original equipment, it may also be necessary to add track 
studs to maintain proper vehicle control while turning on hard-packed snow or 
ice.

Check skags before each use of the snowmobile to ensure positive 
steering characteristics. Skags must be replaced when worn to half their 
original diameter. 

Tip: Carbide skags must be replaced if any abnormal wear or chipping is found.

Skag Replacement

Some models are equipped with single skags. Some models are 
equipped with dual skags.

1. Raise and support the front of 

the snowmobile so the skis are 
approximately 6" (15 cm) from 
the ground.

2. Remove the attaching nuts and 

pry the skag downward.

3. Remove the front end of the 

skag.

4. Remove the rear end of the 

skag.

5. Reverse the steps to install a 

skag.

Skag

116

MAINTENANCE

Battery

WARNING! Improperly connecting or disconnecting battery cables can result in 
an explosion and cause serious injury or death. When removing the battery, 
always disconnect the negative (black) cable first. When reinstalling the battery, 
always connect the negative (black) cable last.

Battery Removal

1. Open the hood and remove the left side panel to access the battery.

2. Disconnect the black (negative) battery cable first.

3. Disconnect the red (positive) battery cable last.

4. Remove the battery.

Battery Installation

When installing a new battery, make sure it's fully charged prior to its 
initial use. Using a new battery that has not been fully charged can 
damage the battery and result in a shorter life. It can also hinder vehicle 
performance. Follow the battery charging instructions on page 117 
before installing the battery.

1. Ensure that the battery is fully charged.

2. Set the battery in the battery holder.

3. Connect and tighten the red (positive) cable first.

4. Connect and tighten the black (negative) cable last.

5. Verify that cables are properly routed.

6. Reinstall the side panel.

Battery Storage

Whenever the vehicle is not used for a period of three months or more, 
remove the battery from the vehicle, ensure that it's fully charged, and 
store it out of the sun in a cool, dry place. Check battery voltage each 
month during storage and recharge as needed to maintain a full charge.

Tip: Battery charge can be maintained by using a POLARIS Battery Tender

TM

 

charger or by charging about once a month to make up for normal self-
discharge. Battery Tender

TM

 can be left connected during the storage 

period, and will automatically charge the battery if the voltage drops below a 
pre-determined point.

117

MAINTENANCE

Battery

Battery Charging

The following battery charging instructions apply only to the 
installation of a sealed battery. Read all instructions before proceeding 
with the installation of this battery.

The sealed battery is already filled with electrolyte and has been sealed 
and fully charged at the factory. Do not ever pry the sealing strip off or 
add any other fluid to this battery. 

The single most important thing about maintaining a sealed battery is to 
keep it fully charged. Since the battery is sealed and the sealing strip 
cannot be removed, you must use a voltmeter or multimeter to measure 
DC voltage.

For a refresh charge, follow all instructions carefully.

1. Check the battery voltage with a voltmeter or multimeter. A fully 

charged battery will register 12.8 V or higher.

2. If the voltage is less than 12.8 volts, recharge the battery at 1.2 amps 

or less until the battery voltage is 12.8 or greater. 

Tip: When using an automatic charger, refer to the charger manufacturer's 

instructions for recharging. When using a constant current charger, use the 
following guidelines for recharging.

WARNING! An overheated battery may explode, causing severe injury or 
death. Always watch charging times carefully. Stop charging if the battery 
becomes very warm to the touch. Allow it to cool before resuming charging.

Tip: Always verify battery condition before and 1-2 hours after the end of 

charging.

State of 

Charge

Voltage

Action

Charge Time

(Using constant current

charger @ standard amps

specified on top of battery)

100%

12.8-13.0 volts

None, check at 3 

mos. from date of 

manufacture

None required

75%-100%

12.5-12.8 volts

May need slight 

charge, if no 

charge given, 

check in 3 months

3-6 hours

50%-75%

12.0-12.5 volts

Needs charge

5-11 hours

25%-50%

11.5-12.0 volts

Needs charge

At least 13 hours, 

verify state of charge

0%-25%

11.5 volts or less

Needs charge with 

desulfating charger

At least 20 hours

118

MAINTENANCE

Extended Storage

Off-season or extended storage of your snowmobile requires preventive 
measures to aid against deterioration and to prolong the useful life of 
many components. See page 122 for the part numbers of POLARIS 
products.

Cleaning and Preservation

Proper storage starts with cleaning, washing, and waxing the hood, 
chassis, and plastic parts. Wipe down remaining surfaces with a damp 
cloth. Clean and touch up with paint any rusted or previously painted 
surfaces. Be sure that corrosive salt and acids are removed from surfaces 
before beginning preservation with waxes and rust inhibitors (grease, oil 
or paint).

The snowmobile should be stored in a dry garage or shed, out of direct 
sunlight, and covered with a fabric snowmobile cover. Plastic tarp may 
cause condensation to form and damage snowmobile components.

Controls and Linkage

Lubricate all bushings and cables at the intervals outlined in the Periodic 
Maintenance Table beginning on page 85.

Bearings

Grease the drive shaft clutch side bearing with POLARIS Premium All-
Season Grease or a similar high quality grease to prevent corrosion.

Clutch and Drive System

Remove the drive belt and store in a cool dry location. Do not lubricate 
clutch components, except the driven clutch shaft bushing as outlined in 
the service manual. See your dealer.